Cincinnati among 25 U.S. cities chosen to possibly host 2026 World Cup games

FC Cincinnati lost to New York Red Bulls 3-2 in overtime of their 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal game Tuesday, Aug. 15 at Nippert Stadium on the University of Cincinnati Campus in Cincinnati. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Cincinnati is among 32 cities in North American that could host 2026 World Cup games, the United Bid Committee announced Wednesday.

There are 25 cities in the United States, four in Canada and three in Mexico that made the list. In addition to the combined North American bid, Morroco also submitted a bid. FIFA will decide whether to accept one of those bids in June, 2018. If the United Bid is selected to host the 2026 World Cup, at least 12 cities will be selected as venues.

“We are thrilled to learn that Cincinnati will continue in the process to finalize hosting plans for 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Jackie Reau, Board Chair, Cincinnati USA Sports Commission & CEO of Game Day Communications. “The Cincinnati USA Sports Commission will continue to work collaboratively with FC Cincinnati along with community partners and companies to form a Local Organizing Committee which will oversee the community-driven process.”

During the next stage of the bid process, the United Bid Committee will integrate the 32 potential host cities into the united bid strategy and vision, as well as work with local officials to finalize the hosting documents required by FIFA. Representatives from the 32 potential host cities will travel to Houston next month for a working session with the United Bid Committee team.